Unlicensed driver with maximum alcohol level was still carrying passengers

Traffic police in Vietnam’s Vinh Long province stopped a passenger vehicle after suspecting that its driver had been drinking. The driver had two passengers in the car, no driving license to show officers, and an alcohol reading at the highest violation level under the cited regulations.

The inspection took place at 8:57 p.m. on Sept. 1 along National Highway 54 in Phong Thanh commune. Officers from the Cau Ke traffic unit stopped a vehicle with registration number 50E-177.xx after noticing unusual signs while patrolling the road.

The 47-year-old driver, identified as N.A.S., could not produce the vehicle registration certificate or a driving license. He showed only his citizen identification card and a separate administrative violation record. Officers said he repeatedly avoided taking the breath test and argued that the inspection had no legal basis, delaying the procedure.

After officers explained the requirement several times, he provided a breath sample. The result measured 0.62 milligrams of alcohol per liter of breath, exceeding the 0.40 mg/liter threshold. A records check found that his B2 driving license was being held by Ho Chi Minh City traffic police over another violation.

The driver did not sign the violation record, so a witness signed to confirm the proceedings. Vinh Long traffic police are continuing to complete the case under the law. Based on the cited regulations, combined fines for the driver’s and vehicle owner’s violations could reach 70 million Vietnamese dong, alongside additional penalties.